Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

"Not going to talk?" He Yuzhu smirked. "Fine, then we'll wait for the security department to investigate. While they're at it, check if I've embezzled any pork. If I'm innocent, then you, Jia Dongxu, are framing a state official, which is a completely different matter."

Workshop Master Zhou's expression changed slightly, and he coughed twice, saying, "It can't be that bad, Director He..."

"Absolutely necessary." He Yuzhu stared at him. "If you laid a hand on him, apologize to Xiao Li; if you didn't, stand aside. What, you don't trust the security department? Or do you think I'd collude with them?"

Master Zhou was speechless. How could he dare to say he didn't trust the security department?

Back then, the security department was no mere figurehead. Although stationed inside the factory, they were directly under the command of the armed forces department, and even books had to be given special consideration.

Before long, the security personnel arrived. After listening to both sides' accounts, they immediately took all those involved back for investigation. He Yuzhu told Mu Changzheng to stay at the canteen while he went to the security office.

After a round of separate questioning, the truth came to light.

The root of the problem was Jia Dongxu's loose tongue; he insisted that He Yuzhu might have embezzled ingredients, igniting a powder keg with a single sentence. Besides Jia Dongxu, four fitters also participated in the fight, while the rest took sides, which is why Xiao Chen was beaten so badly.

After the matter was clarified, the workshop foreman rushed over. Upon hearing what had happened, he immediately launched into a tirade against Jia Dongxu. Afterward, he pulled out a cigarette, offered it to He Yuzhu, and said with a forced smile, "Thank you for your hard work, Director He."

"Thank you, Director Zhang, but I don't smoke." He Yuzhu waved his hand. "This matter should be handled as it should be. This young man spoke up for me, and I can't let him down. Besides, the factory has clear regulations regarding pork distribution. The numbers were decided in a meeting, and everyone can verify them. I don't want to be blamed for being a embezzler."

These words made Director Zhang blush. He had a wide range of responsibilities in production, but his status in the factory was really not as high as He Yuzhu's. Not to mention his amazing cooking skills, just the fact that he understood machinery, knew electrical work, and had personally improved the washing machine had already made him stand out from the higher-ups.

Director Zhang cursed Jia Dongxu in his heart for being incredibly stupid: the meat was clearly divided, and it could be checked again based on the number of people. How could he make up such a thing? What else could it be but water in his brain?

If someone overheard, just apologize and that's it. Stubbornly insisting on sticking to your guns only deserves to be proven wrong.

At this moment, the security team leader approached He Yuzhu and Director Zhang, and said solemnly, "Director He, Director Zhang, the situation has been verified. Jia Dongxu has no evidence whatsoever; his claims are purely personal speculation. Director He, that portion of meat was indeed given to a struggling kitchen worker..."

"That's the situation. If neither of you has any objections, I'm ready to report this to the leadership, and I'll also submit the recommended punishment along with it."

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "Alright, then I'll trouble you all. As long as you can help clear my name, that's fine. After all, with so much pork on the ground, anyone who wants to smear me will have to think twice."

The squad leader scoffed, "Director He is undoubtedly innocent. To be honest, the meat distribution process in the cafeteria is perfectly clear. Anyone who insists there's something fishy going on is either stupid or has ulterior motives. I think Jia Dongxu is the latter!"

He Yuzhu said coldly, "He and I have been at odds for a long time. We didn't see eye to eye when we lived in the same courtyard, but I really didn't expect him to dare to openly mess with me in the factory."

"Ha, this guy's really something." The man waved his hand. "Director He, you can take him back. If there's any compensation later, I'll have someone send him to the cafeteria."

"Oh, thank you so much, brother! From now on, whenever the security guards come over for a meal, I'll cook for them myself, make sure they're all well-fed and strong, and ready to protect the country!"

The workshop director stood there for a long time, unable to get a word in edgewise. Finally, he managed to stammer, "I'm leaving now," and turned and slipped away without taking anyone with him.

Not long after, the security department reported the incident in detail. It wasn't a big deal, and it was handled quickly. The factory directly announced it over the loudspeaker: Jia Dongxu and the other four people all received demerits, each had to pay one yuan to the canteen worker, Xiao Li, and Jia Dongxu was also assigned to clean toilets for two months.

Xiao Li was actually fine, at most he was a bit embarrassed, but he ended up getting five yuan for nothing, and he was so happy he was grinning from ear to ear.

Jia Dongxu has become infamous. Even his usual buddies don't dare to get close to him anymore—it would be beneath them to be too close to someone like him.

In two days, the steel rolling mill will resume its reception duties. Presumably, with the holiday approaching, the higher-ups have loosened their grip, and lunch and dinner will proceed as usual. But for He Yuzhu, this is no problem at all. He can prepare meals for four or five people in an hour, leaving time for a nap.

The holiday season has arrived, and the festive atmosphere of the New Year is immediately there.

This year's Spring Festival is being held at the Lou family's place, so He Daqing most likely won't be coming back—if he were, he would have written a letter long ago.

So on the first day of the holiday, He Yuzhu took Yushui and Lou Xiao'e to the market to buy New Year's goods. The three of them were having a great time shopping, and after a quick tour of the supply and marketing cooperative, their bags and packages piled up like mountains. Fortunately, He Yuzhu had plenty of coupons, so he managed to fill both bicycles to the brim. He pushed one bicycle in each hand, steadily and smoothly delivering the New Year's goods to Lou's doorstep.

As soon as he entered the house, Lou's mother told him with a smile that the date had been chosen—the first Sunday after the Lunar New Year, they would go to get their marriage certificate.

He Yuzhu nodded in agreement, and casually mentioned, "We'll set up two tables at Fengzeyuan Restaurant. My master and senior brother will be there. After we finish cooking, we can go straight to the table and drink. It'll be more proper to have a lively and festive atmosphere."

Lou's mother didn't object, only asking about He Daqing. He Yuzhu immediately replied, "Write a letter tomorrow, he definitely has to come back! It would be a joke if he didn't even show up for his son's wedding!"

The next day, just as he woke up, Zhang Tianyang from the Foreign Affairs Bureau came to his door, saying that his superiors wanted to see him. Coincidentally, He Yuzhu was just about to ask his superiors about Lou's mother's trip to Hong Kong. After saying goodbye to Lou's mother and Lou Xiao'e, he followed Zhang Tianyang straight to the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

As soon as he entered, Leader Zhang greeted him with a smile: "Zhu Zi, you've arrived? Have a seat! Thanks to you and Mr. Lou, the whole country has finally had a prosperous year."

He Yuzhu grinned: "What are you saying, leader? Serving the country is my duty."

"Good! I'm relieved to see your dedication." Leader Zhang's smile faded slightly, and his expression turned serious. "The successful first shipment has shown us even greater opportunities. Especially for things that are in short supply abroad—like steel, which is a hard indicator of industrial strength."

"But our steelmaking industry is short of resources and manpower. So next year, the country hopes that you and Mr. Lou will continue to transport a batch of meat back from Australia, at least 18,000 tons. We will settle the debt with other supplies."

He Yuzhu pondered for a moment: "18,000 tons... It's no problem to split it into two trips. Besides, my dad might be expanding his fleet, so he might be able to haul it all in one trip. Don't worry, sir, I'll send a telegram to my dad right away."

Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Zhang's eyes, and he patted Zhang on the shoulder, saying, "Zhu Zi, the country really has to thank you this time."

We've done foreign trade before, but each time it was only a few hundred tons of meat, a drop in the ocean, and it cost us foreign exchange. Now, thanks to He Yuzhu and Lou's father, we're getting tens of thousands of tons at a time, and we can even exchange them for domestic products—it's like a godsend. We made a fortune with washing machines, and now we're making another with meat; these are all real strategic resources.

As for whether or not the washing machines will be sold in China?

There's no rush. A small portion supplied to state guesthouses and key units will be enough to maintain appearances. The remaining 90% will be used to exchange for rubber, aluminum, technology... all of which are the hard currencies most in need right now.

"Boss, there's something I need to report to you. I'm about to head back, but my father-in-law is really struggling to manage everything on his own in Hong Kong. Could you perhaps arrange for my mother-in-law to go over and lend a hand? Otherwise, his business is almost at a standstill."

He Yuzhu spoke with a smile, his tone respectful yet familiar. If they acted quickly, perhaps Lou's mother could have set off before Lou Xiao'e married into the family.

After a moment's thought, Director Zhang nodded and said, "Alright, I'll have someone process the travel permit tomorrow. If she really wants to go, the Foreign Affairs Bureau will arrange for someone to take her there."

"Thank you so much, boss!" He Yuzhu beamed. "I need someone to look after things back home. I estimate I won't be able to go there for another six months. I'll have my mother-in-law come back and keep an eye on things for me then..."

The words weren't finished, but the meaning was clear. Leader Zhang understood perfectly but didn't expose it, instead inquiring about the real business—the export of machine tools. Southeast Asia's industrial base was weak, and it was unlikely to become a significant market force in the short term. He Yuzhu planned to use Hong Kong as a springboard to first push the goods towards Japan and South Korea, testing the waters.

After exchanging a few more words, Director Zhang signaled for He Yuzhu to be released. Staff then escorted He Yuzhu out.

Back at the Lou family home, he immediately shared the good news with Lou's mother. Upon hearing this, Lou's mother's eyes crinkled with joy. If it weren't for the fact that her daughter was getting married and needed someone to manage things, she would have long wanted to go to Hong Kong to see its dazzling lights and vibrant nightlife.

"Zhu Zi, you and Yu Shui shouldn't leave tonight. There are plenty of rooms available. The one next to Xiao'e's has been empty."

"Okay, Mom, then I won't be polite." He Yuzhu readily agreed.

Lou's mother waved her hand: "We're family, no need for such formalities."

Lou Xiao'e, however, was different. Upon hearing that He Yuzhu wanted to stay, the tips of her ears instantly turned red. The scene of being gently coaxed a few days ago involuntarily flashed through her mind—her hands reverently cupped, her jaw clenched, forcibly supporting herself; when it was over, her lips and teeth were sore, and it took her a long time to recover. Her hands reverently cupped, her jaw clenched, forcibly supporting herself. When everything calmed down, her lips and teeth were sore and soft, the lingering warmth taking a long time to dissipate.

We absolutely cannot fall for that again this time!

She gritted her teeth and swore in her heart, then glared at He Yuzhu with a firm and resolute look, as if to declare: Don't even think about getting what you want before the marriage!

Unfortunately, imagination is often far from reality.

In the stillness of the night, a few suppressed whispers could be faintly heard from Lou Xiao'e's room, intermittent and tinged with shame, anger, and resignation.

"Rain Pillar... today... let's rest for a while..."

"Hey, don't touch there!"

"Okay...okay...I promise you..."

……